March 1, 2016

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program for International Students from Developing Countries

Course(s) Offered: Development-related fields Course Level: Graduate (Masters)Provider: Govt of Japan, World BankCountry to Study in: Any country (selected member states)Scholarship Description
The 2016/2017 Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarships Program (JJ/WBGSP) will soon open for applications on 10th February, 2016. This scholarship is for developing country nationals and Japanese nationals who want to pursue their study at the master’s degree level.

The Regular Program of the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP Regular Program) sponsors graduate studies leading to a master’s degree from universities around the world. Scholarship is provided to pursue any course related to economic development in any JJ/WBGSP preferred university at master’s level.

Students applying to the regular program may study at host universities in World Bank member countries, with the exception of their home countries. The program supports master’s degree studies in any development-related field.

Eligibility
To apply for a JJ/WBGSP scholarship under the Regular Program, an applicant must:

Have 3 years or more of recent development-related work experience after earning a Bachelor (or equivalent) degree;

Not be a staff member (which includes consultants) or relative of a staff member of the World Bank Group;

Be in good health;

Be accepted unconditionally to enroll in the upcoming academic year in one of JJWBGSP preferred master programs;

Submit a completed JJWBGSP application by the Application Deadline date

Selection Criteria:
Eligible applications are assessed according to three main factors: academic excellence, professional experience, and relevance of program of study. Priority is given to candidates from the public sector with a high potential to impact the development in their own countries after completion of their studies.

To the extent permitted by Program requirements and selection standards, the JJ/WBGSP: seeks to maintain a reasonably wide geographical distribution of awards and gives priority to applicants from low-income countries; supports promising female candidates; AND gives priority to those candidates who, other things equal, have limited financial resources.

Participating Institution(s)
Applicants are encouraged to apply to any one of the Preferred Universities as listed on the official website (link to it is below).

Fields of study
Eligible applicants should propose a program of study related to development at the master’s level, in fields such as economics, health, education, agriculture, environment, natural resource management, or other development‑related subject.

The scholarship program does not sponsor undergraduate studies, distance learning programs, short-term training, conferences, seminars, thesis writing, research projects, and fields of studies not related to development. All these requests will not be considered. The Program does not support certain other fields of study.

Sponsorship duration
Awards are for one year and, provided that the academic program is longer than one year, may be renewed for a second consecutive year or a portion thereof, subject to satisfactory academic performance in the first year and the availability of funds. There is an absolute two year maximum limit on JJ/WBGSP awards.

Scholarship benefits
The scholarship provides annual awards to cover the cost of completing a master's degree or its equivalent. The amount of scholarship may vary depending upon the host country and the tuition charged by the host university.

It is a full scholarship and covers full tuition and fees (including cost of basic medical and accident insurance usually obtained through the university), a monthly living stipend to cover living expenses including books, round-trip air tickets and travel allowance.

Method of Application
Applicant must first of all apply for admission into any JJ/WBGSP preferred university. To apply for the JJ/WBGSP scholarship you must be a developing country national or a Japanese national. If you think you fit the required profile then take a look at the Application Guidelines complete lists of eligibility requirements, and the list of of preferred masters programs and partner masters programs associated with this scholarship.

There are two ways citizens of developing countries can apply for this scholarship:

For scholarships to one of partner masters programs, please first apply to at least one of partner university masters programs. The university will send the JJ/WBGSP Secretariat a short list of eligible candidates that have been accepted by the partner program, and the JJ/WBGSP Steering Committee will award scholarships to a subset of the short-listed applicants.

For scholarships to one of preferred masters programs, you need to apply to the university to get accepted into the program and also apply directly to JJ/WBGSP for the scholarship.

It is important to visit the official website (link to it is below) for complete details on how to apply.

DEADLINES
The JJ/WBGSP call for applications from developing country nationals and Japanese nationals for master degree programs starting 2016-17 academic year will open on February 10, 2016. Completed applications, including the application form and two professional references, must be submitted online before March 10, 2016; 12 noon EST.

PLEASE NOTE
The scholarship award is valid for the academic year immediately following the offer of award and cannot be deferred for any reason.

The JJ/WBGSP scholarship only supplements, and does not duplicate, any other source of financial support/fellowship the scholar might have. Scholars must inform the JJ/WBGSP if they have other sources of scholarship funds. The JJ/WBGSP stipend may be withdrawn completely or partially if during the scholarship period the Program has evidence of additional sources of support.

The World Bank Scholarship and Fellowships Programs are vehicles for knowledge sharing and capacity building in the developing world. The Program provides opportunities for graduate and postgraduate studies leading to master's and doctoral degrees in development-related fields for mid-career professionals from eligible developing countries.

The World Bank, with funding from the Government of Japan, established the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship program (JJ/WBGSP) for graduate studies in subjects related to economic development. This is one of the World Bank Scholarship and Fellowships Programs.

Application Deadline: 10 March 2016Open to International students: Yes